Cold or Allergy? How To Tell the Difference

We all have that moment when the sniffles strike – and you start hedging your bets on whether it's because of a cold or allergies. The signs can be similar, making it tricky to tell them apart¹.

Despite the overlap in symptoms, there are a few ways to identify whether an allergy or cold is the root cause. It's important to know these differences between allergies and colds so that you can find the best method of relief.

In this article, we'll explain:

 Allergies vs cold 

The main difference between colds and allergies is what causes them:

• A cold is caused by a viral infection entering your body²

• Allergies are your immune system reacting to substances (allergens) like pollen or pet dander³

Viruses can strike all year round – though they’re generally more common in cooler weather between September and April⁴. Allergies, on the other hand, typically work on more of a seasonal basis⁵.

Some pollens are more prominent at different times of the year, which can trigger hay fever. Meanwhile, allergens like dust or pet dander are more likely to affect you during autumn and winter when you spend more time indoors⁵.

So, if you seem to get a cold at the same time every year, it could be your body reacting to a specific allergen⁷.

It's probably a cold if...

The exact symptoms of a cold may vary from person to person or depend on the strain of virus that causes your symptoms⁸. Generally, the symptoms of a common cold can include:

Of course, some of these cold symptoms can crop up when you have allergies too. With a cold, you may also get more severe symptoms, such as:

These symptoms are rare with an allergic reaction and more common with a cold, so they can often be the deciding factor when working out which one it is¹¹.

A change in your mucus

You may also notice changes in the colour and thickness of the mucus from your nose with a cold¹². Typically, as your body fights an infection like the common cold, your mucus will become thicker¹³.

It may also turn a yellow, green or cloudy colour because of the increased waste and higher level of white blood cells your body pushes out as part of your immune response¹⁴.

A progression of your symptoms

If your symptoms change every few days rather than staying consistent, you're more likely to have a cold than an allergy¹⁵. With a cold, your symptoms will vary and progress as the infection takes hold, then again as your immune system starts to fight it off¹⁶.

For example, you might start with a blocked or runny nose. This may develop into a sinus headache as your immune response starts to cause swelling in your nasal passages, before the symptoms begin to ease¹⁷.

It's probably allergies if...

While allergy symptoms often mimic those of a cold, there are a few tell-tale signs to help you spot the difference between an allergy and cold.

Just like when you get a head cold, you're likely to get a blocked or runny nose and start sneezing when experiencing an allergic reaction¹⁸ .

But there are also a few symptoms that are more common with allergies. These can include:

Clear or watery mucus

With allergies, your body isn't fighting any germs or producing more white blood cells. As a result, the mucus from your nose will still be clear and reasonably thin²⁰.

Consistent symptoms

While your cold symptoms will change as your body fights the viral infection, allergy symptoms usually remain pretty consistent²¹.

It lasts longer than a week

Most colds should clear up in around seven to 10 days. If your symptoms lasts any longer, it could be signs of an allergy.

Should your symptoms last for several weeks, it could be that you're experiencing a reaction during peak allergy season²² .

Your symptoms recur in certain situations

If you notice your symptoms start developing at around the same time every year, it's probably allergies²³. This is because certain pollens and allergens are more prevalent at specific times of the year²⁴.

For example, if you're allergic to grass pollen, you're more likely to get symptoms from May to August²⁵. Or, if you start sneezing every time you sit with your sister's new cat the chances are that you're allergic to it²⁶.

Allergies or cold symptoms checklist27

Wondering what your symptoms mean? Use our symptom checklist below to help you work out whether you have a cold or allergies.

How to treat a cold

If you have a cold, your immune system should successfully get rid of the infection in around a week²⁸. But that doesn't mean you have to put up with uncomfortable symptoms until it does.

You can do several things to help ease cold symptoms, like a stuffy nose or sinus headache.

Pain relievers

If your cold causes aches and pains, you can take over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol. Just make sure any other medication you’re taking doesn't also contain paracetamol or ibuprofen²⁹.

Get plenty of rest

Your body needs time to fight the infection and heal itself³². A few days of rest can help with this, especially if you feel worn out and fatigued.

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help loosen thick mucus and encourage it to drain out of your nose³³. It should also reduce the chance of dehydration, which can help you feel better too³⁴.

How to treat allergies

One of the most effective ways to ease and prevent any allergy symptoms is to avoid your triggers altogether³⁵. Of course, that might not always be possible.

Instead, try and reduce your exposure as much as possible. Limit time outside during allergy season, wash after encountering any known allergens and protect your eyes from pollen with wraparound sunglasses³⁶.

There are also several allergy medications you can try to help ease your symptoms.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines block the histamines produced by your immune system in response to an allergen³⁸. In doing so, they help combat some of the symptoms such as stuffiness and a blocked nose³⁹.

If taken in advance, they can also help prevent future allergic reactions⁴⁰.